It’s official: Cotton Candy Oreos are returning to store shelves in time for the summer.
What are Cotton Candy Oreos?
In case you don’t remember, Cotton Candy Oreos are a carnival-inspired treat that features a double layer of side-by-side pink and blue cotton candy-flavored creme in between two golden Oreo cookies.
When is the Oreo Cotton flavor coming back?
On Tuesday, May 30th, the popular cookie brand first teased the return of the fan-favorite flavor with an Instagram video featuring social media posts from customers asking them to bring back one iconic flavor.
“You asked…again, and again, and again. We listened. Come back tomorrow for a surprise,” read the message that comes with the post.
While Oreo redacted the name of the flavor in question, it was somewhat obvious since the video was set to the classic carnival song Cotton Candy Kisses. The video teaser also had a blue-and-pink cotton candy background, which made it easier for fans to guess the returning Oreo variant correctly.
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“The song says cotton candy… so i’m guessing cotton candy lol,” wrote one fan.
Another commented, “Cotton candy?? Oh @oreo Please let it be cotton candy!! I’m planning a vacation soon but I will budget for several packages of those….!!”
Despite the very telling clues, others were thinking that it was not cotton candy, claiming that the obvious hints were just distractions.
“Better be Reese’s Oreo!” one commenter wrote. “Strawberry shortcake plz,” wrote another.
On Wednesday, May 31st, Oreo finally revealed that the returning flavor is indeed cotton candy. The cookie sandwich brand made it official with the following post on Instagram:
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“No longer day dreaming of cotton candy skies & Limited Edition Cotton Candy OREO Cookies ,” read the social media post. “Back on shelves June 5th.”
When was the Oreo Cotton Candy flavor first released?
Cotton Candy Oreos were first introduced to the market in April 2015 for a limited time as a customer exclusive. But for its 2023 return, the flavor will be available nationwide, wherever Oreos are sold, while supplies last.
The announcement of the return of Cotton Candy Oreos comes a month after the cookie brand revealed the comeback of S’mOREO Sandwich Cookies. First released in 2021, the S’mOREO Sandwich Cookies are graham-flavored treats featuring layers of chocolate and marshmallow-flavored creme. The unique Oreo variety returned to shelves last May and is still available in select retailers across the country.
Who invented cotton candy?
Cotton candy was invented in 1897 by dentist William Morrison and confectioner John C. Wharton. They created a machine that spun heated sugar through a screen, creating the floss-like texture that we all know and love. The duo premiered cotton candy in 1904 at the St. Louis World Fair. The fair was meant to be the event of the century, and cotton candy was a huge hit. It was so popular that Morrison and Wharton sold 68,655 boxes of cotton candy at 25 cents ($8.14 today) per box.
Cotton candy quickly became a popular treat at fairs, carnivals, and amusement parks. It is still a popular treat today and is often served at birthday parties, weddings, and other special events.